Film splicing apparatus



H. C. FOSTER FILM SPLICING APPARATUS May 16, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Oct. 30, 1943 May 16', 1950 H. c. FOSTER FILM SPLICING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Oct. 30, 1945 May 16, 1950 H. c. FOSTER FILM smcmc APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Oct. 50, 1943 1950 H. c. FOSTER 2,508,243

- FILM SPLICING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 30, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 M y 16, 1950 H. c. FOSTER 2,508,243

FILM SPLICINC APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 30; l943 5 SheetsSheet 5 i atenteii May 1 6,

2,508,243 FIL'M SPIjICING Harry-clam Foster, Anon; 1112 Sofia ocito 7, 19 17; sfriai Nair-778,412

24-Clainis; (01. 154-421) scription'and -explanatibn of' the accompanying drawings illustrating wnatwl', now believe to be the-:preferred embodiments or mechanical ex p'ressio-ns of invention from among various other embodiments, forms ,.desi'gns, constructions,

and combinations of which my invention isca:

pable within the'lbroadnpiritand scope of the'appended claimsu Thewinvention is-concerned with splices for joiningatogether sections; or lengths: of ribbon or tape dikermaterial, such as cinema: film, where such splices; arefof; the mechanically interlocked types in:whichathelgfilm-ends to be'joined are specially shaped and perforated to's'providefor mechanical interlocking thereofintoispliced'connection, such for example, as theyarioustypes and, forms of mechanically interlocked splices-of my inventicn las shownr-in my above referred; to pending application, Serial Number 5l8,283". v

,ltlis a general-objectot the inyention-to provide? an apparatus with, which film sectionf'ends (or the like) to be spliced can be quiclil-y' and accurately preparedandassembled into mechanically interlocked 'relationftd' form and complete. the splice, 105 Simple" and naturar moveinnts' of the film sections throughmechanioally guided operations; v

It isa further objector the invention to, pro vide a design and arrangement forfsuch an apt paratus in which the shapedand prepared ends of" the film sections may be efficiently spliced witha minimum off bending or twisting 'of the filmendsby theapparatus, so as to reduce toa minimumthe possibility of breaking ordama'g'ing' the'fiifni It is-afurthe'n'objeot to provide such an'appa' ratusin which the' fil'ln section'sftobefsplicedare positioned and held by the apparatus-in proper relationto the picture frames, first for 'filn'r' section end shaping; 'and then ror mechanicalinterlocking of the shaped film endsby manipulating member's,- so"'thatthe uniform" linear spacing-of said frames is' main'tained through-the'area s'o' spliced;

fi-sfurtherr object is to so design and arrange suchiam'zagpparatus that: by a; reverse operation" thereof, it will be caii' -ornetai ing anu is engaging previously spli dfilin' sections without ea {to the film orimpairmnt of the fi lm section anus mares-slicing: 4

Another object of the inventionis to piot ide seen: an apaai attswaicn Will "be of 'rlat simpie'mee a ibal' constr'iib bng oi cam-pa" ailanaement and offiiifiensions' such asto occupy a minimum of space, "which Will be capable of efficient' andaccurate operation in use' With adjuetment ansmaintenanceiiducedtoamini with which the accurate mofin mand po'si leg-10a *fi'lin *sctio'ri' en the apparatus 4 -wa tii minimum of" han'd" manipmtimn nd adjust; ment by the operator, so that thepos sibility er ih'accur It is a'furrhr-"otject ofmf'iiiveijitiofi t'o pi e-f ide a, iorm oi punch and die mechafiis preparing andfsh ping'ztlie' ends "of the tion's'ftb be mechari alfi ji'riterlockedand v togetherfso e bei's and edes at. each nun I erly positioned and llda'ted thereon. for inecham a1? interlocking with the members and" edges, rspctivelx' iormedfin tnejoppcsitefilmsecftibh end; afid'iurtiier tb'i r'o vide a design. rel ance -a 'pun'ch iand di e mel'ia that will" be orf-cdfiipadt'r nfl, a d r jeia: tii ely simple mechanical constructlonand cp er ati0n,.so that an: operator "quicklyand, ifidesired; simultaneously accurately shape and form the ends of the film sections to be spliced-I V inventionr also' :holds "as :afurther object the prov-isionof aun-itary apparatus cooperatively arranged to facilitate the shaping: and-assembling of film section; ClldSjW-hfle; yet allowing separate operatiomof-the assembling mechanisms-for" film disassembling purposesz With: the? foregoing: general objects; features: and: results in ;"-vieW,-= asrwell' wasertain: others which will be readily?recognizedzfrom'the follow ing detailed: descriptiom my" invention consists in certain" novel F features design and in? con: structions and arrangemets of: elements: and partsgall as will-be hereinafter more fully re ferredvto and? explained; r

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar reference characters refer to corresponding parts and elements throughout the several figures thereof:

Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of a unitary apparatus of my invention for shaping and performing the film section ends to be spliced, and for mechanically manipulating the prepared film section ends into mechanically interlocked and completed splice forming relation.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the swinging die and film locating member of the apparatus of Fig. 1, taken as from the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, with the splice assembling mechanism in its normal position for receiving the prepared film section ends to be spliced.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the assembling mechanism of Figs. 1 and 3, with the film carriers of such mechanisms swung to position for interlocking and completing the splicing of the ends of the film sections.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the assembling mechanism of Fig. 3, taken as from the left hand end of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the body or frame of the apparatus of Fig. 1, with the swinging die member of Fig. 2 and the splice assembling mechanism of Fig. 4 removed.

Fig. 7 is a rear elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, with the splice assembling mechanism or unit removed.

Fig. 8 isa top plan view of the modified arrangement of the splice assembling mechanism, such modified arrangement being shown in normal position to receive the prepared ends of film sections for splicing.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the modified splice assembling mechanism of Fig. 8, with the mechanism being swung to splice assembling and forming position.

Fig. 10 is a view in side elevation of the unitary apparatus of Fig. 1, with the swinging die member swung upwardly and forwardly to position for shaping and perforating the film section ends, the film assembling mechanism of Fig. 1 being removed.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, vertical longitudinal section through the swinging die member and the associated punch and film shaping member together with their mountings, the film shearing or cut-01f blades being also shown in side elevation.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged top plan view showing the film assembling nose pieces with the film carriers swung to position to manipulate the prepared ends of the film sections around and across the nose pieces to interlock the film ends into spliced engagement.

Fig. 13 is a view in side elevation of the nose pieces for engaging and interlocking the film ends.

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view through the film engaging nose pieces taken as on the line l4-l4 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a view in front elevation, more or less diagrammatic, of the unitary film end shaping and splice assembling apparatus of Fig. 1, mounted on a suitable base in operative position between the film rewinding reels of a conventional film rewind apparatus.

Fig. 16 is a top plan view of a modified form of splice assembling apparatus, in which the film end carriers are not only swung or rotated around the splice assembling nose pieces but are also expanded or moved outwardly relative to each other to relatively move the film section ends in relation to each other and to the nose pieces; the film carriers being shown in normal position for receiving the film ends to be spliced.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a modified apparatus of Fig. 16, but showing the film carriers and film ends thereon in an intermediate position partially rotated around the nose pieces to cause initial interlocking of the prepared film section ends.

Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 16, but with the film carriers and the film ends thereon rotated to completed splice forming position.

Fig. 19 is a vertical transverse section through the film engaging nose pieces and film carriers, taken as on the line I9-l9 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 20 is a front elevation of the modified form of splice assembling apparatus of Fig. 16, the film carriers being shown in the position thereof as shown in Fig. 17.

Fig. 21 is a top plan of another form of film splicing apparatus in which the film carriers in addition to being mounted for rotation about the nose pieces, are also mounted and arranged for sliding movement relative to each other to move the film ends relative to the nose pieces as such ends are rotated with the carriers, the film carriers in Fig. 21 being shown in their normal position for receiving the film ends to be spliced.

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of the modified apparatus of Fig. 21, with the film carriers being shown in position partially rotated relative to the nose pieces for initially interlocking the film section ends.

Fig. 23 isa top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 21, but with the film carriers being shown in their position of maximum rotation relative to the nose pieces for completing the interlocking of film section ends into the completed splice.

Fig. 24 is a front elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 21, with the film carriers being shown in the position of Fig. 21.

Fig. 25 is a view in end elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 21.

Fig. 26 is a plan view of film section endsshaped to provide a form of mechanically interlocked splice.

Fig. 2'7 is a top plan view of the film section ends of Fig. 26, mechanically interlocked to form the completed splice.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal section through the completed splice of Fig. 27 taken as on the line 28-28 of Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal section of the splice of Fig. 27, but showing the film section endsin their initial assembled and partially interlocked position.

As examples of film assembling apparatus embodying my invention, I have disclosed in the accompanying drawings, several possible forms thereof, of which the form disclosed in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14 and 15, may be considered to be a preferred form. I have, in this instance, disclosed such preferred form of the splice assembling apparatus in a cooperative and coordinated combination and association with a film section end shaping and forming apparatus of my invention, to thus form and provide a single unitary splicing apparatus of a compact character with which all of the operations necessary, both to prepare the film sections for and to assemble the prepared sections into mechanically interlocked final splice form, can be performed and carried out by an operator. The unitary apparatus as above generally described and as will be hereinafter described in detail, itself forms a part of my present invention.

I have selected from the several forms of mechanically interlocked splices of my invention as disclosed in my above referred to co-pending application, Serial Number 508,283,0neform for which the unitary apparatus hereof consisting of the film section end shaping and forming apparatus and of the splice assembling apparatus, is particularly adapted, although it is to be understood that neither the section end forming and shaping apparatus nor the splice assembling apparatus are limited to embodiments thereof designed for shaping the film section ends and for assembling such ends into splice of the selected example hereof..

- 'The preferred form of the splice assembling and forming apparatus, referring nowparticularly to Figs. 1 and 3, embodies a suitable base, which, in the example hereof, comprises a central base member 5|! provided with supporting legs 5011 at opposite end portions thereof, respectively. These legs 59a are secured in any suitable manner to the supporting surface on which the base of the splice forming apparatus is to be mounted. In this instance, where I have shown the preferred form of splice assembling mechanism as providing a component of the unitary combined film end shaping and film splice forming apparatus, the central base member 50 of the assembling apparatus is mounted upon the upwardly and rearwardly inclined forward or front wall 3| of the body 30 of such unitary apparatus. In the unitary apparatus, the body 30 mounts the film section end forming and shaping mechanism which forms a component of the combined organization. Such forming and shaping mechanism will be hereinafter described and ex- 'plained in detail.

Thus, the arrangement of the base member 50 with its support legs 55a on the upwardly and rearwardly inclined front wall 3| of the body 30, is such that the upper wall of base member 55 of the splice assembling mechanism, is elevated or positioned spaced above and in an upwardly and rearwardly inclined position substantially parallel with the inclined front wall 3| of body,30.

In accordance with a primary feature of splice assembling apparatus of the invention, illustrated as designed for the particular splice form selected as an example, film interlocking or assembling nose units or members 5| are mounted in spaced relation on the base member 50 intermediate the ends thereof with the members 5| extending vertically upwardly from the base 50. The members 5| are so formed and relatively positioned as to provide surfaces adapted to engage the shaped ends of filmsections disposed and positioned therebetween in such a manner that, when the film section ends are moved relatively to and in engagement with and over and across such surfaces, the shaped film section ends are interlocked into completed splice formin relation. The members 5| are of identical design and construction, and, referring now to Figs. 12, 13, and 14, are each formed in the example hereof from sheet or plate material suitably shaped and bent to the desired form. Each member 5| comprises a supporting post or leg 5|a having an arm portion 5|b extending laterally from the upper portion thereof at substantially right angles to the leg. (See Fig. 12.) A wing 510 is formed extending from the outer edge portion of. arm 5|b,

8 inclined outwardly away from the arm 5H) and extending across the side of arm 5|b that is opposite the side from which the supporting post 5|a extends. The upper edge 5|d of the wing 5|c is inclined downwardly and outwardly from its upper portion at the arm 5Ib to the lower outer portion of the wing, from which a flange 5 le extends rearwardly from the wing 5|c toward the arm 5|b and at substantially right angles to the plane of wing 5|c. The flange 5|e forms in effect a continuation of the lower portion of the wing 5|c and is of a height or vertical width considerably less than the height or vertical width of the wing at arm 5|b. The flange 5|e extends rearwardly toward and terminates adjacent to the inner edge portion of the arm 5|b at the supporting post 5|a. The lower outer portion of the wing 5|c and the flange 5|e together form an outwardly projecting nose N which is located in elevated position above the lower end of the supporting post 5|a but below the upper end portion of the Wing 5|c and the arm 5|b from which the Wing extends, so that, the nose N of a unit or member 5| is located at an intermediate positionon the member and extends or projects laterally outwardly therefrom at the side of the arm at which the support post 5|a is located.

The nose forming units or members 5|, referring to Fig. 12, are mounted and secured in fixed position on the base '50 by means of the supporting posts 5|a, with the arms SI!) of the units 5| disposed transversely of base 50 and the wings 5|c facing each other but spaced apart in parallel relation so as to provide a space therebetween with the noses N located at opposite ends and on opposite sides, respectively, of such space. The space between wings 5|c and noses N is adapted to receive the overlapped film section ends to be spliced, and the gradually outwardly sloping or inclined and upwardly diverging edges 5|d ofthe wings 5|c provide guide edges to assist in the operation of inserting and positioning the film section ends between the noses N in operative engagement and relation with the noses. The mounting and relative position of the nose forming members 5| is such that the noses N thereof are disposed so as to extend a slight distance across and to opposite sides of a center line through the positioned units drawn transversely of the base '50. In the present example, each nose piece N in efiect overlaps the other a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the material of the nose piece, although the invention is not limited to such spacing, as the extent or degree of the overlap will vary in accordance with each application and in, accordance with the size of the film and the particular shaping and perforating of the film section ends. The relative position of the nose forming members 5| with the noses N thereof in such overlapped relation is clearly shown by Fig. 13.

Movable carriers 60L and 60R for the ends of the film sections to be spliced, are located at opposite sides, respectively, of the nose forming members 5| for movement relative thereto and therearound to so engage the film section ends with and displace the same relative to the noses N as to cause such noses to interlock and assemble the film section ends into the completed splice. Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, in connection with Fig. 12, each film section carrier embodies a base 60a having a laterally extending portion or wing 601) provided along its inner edge intermediate the base 60a with. a vertically upstanding film positioning and holding surface. on platev 'Gfic ainst which a film. is adapted to be. held and positioned. by a suitable. film sprocket hole en;

The. film carriers. 58L. and 69B are movably mounted a opposite sides or the no e formin members 5t and. the base 56. by. a suitable link mechanism mounted and supported from the base at. Suchv link mechanism comprises a pair of links 61 pivoted on the base 523 bya p vot pin ii-la with one link located above and the other below base. 53-, and the links in normal position disposed. transversely of and acrossthe base. A similar. pair of links 62' are. pivoted to the base 5!! in position respectively above and. below base it, by apivot pin 62a, with the links 52 disposed transversely otthe base ta e lo'cateda distance below the adjacent nose forming member 5|. Thefilmcarrier BQR ismounted at. the right. hand side of base 59 by pivotally connecting the opnosite. ends of its base Eta. between the spaced ends 3t pairs o transverse. links and 62', by means oi thepiyot. pins Bio and 62 1)., respecitely, w th the la erally tended portion-or wine 5.9!! of bas 835d andth film p sit nin pl tilelccated at ight of h e fine-- Thcfilm'c reie t s'iecu tcc at t e 1. theme the o a .ih its op os te c de ctet h twccn he oated ends o e I-.. l s 6! and 52 by thepiyot pins em and $21), ectiv ly, but with the laterally entangled, porh e c h an e cowa d y r H i U 2 see him position matette'n sposed at the leit'ha nd side of the base." In this manher, with the film carriersand their supporting and motiondefinin'g link mechanism in'norn al position with the pairs of links 65 and eg in par; allel relation disposed transversely of the base 5. he one rece n u ac of the film toning plate $510 of carrier 50R lies substa'n in the-same plane with the inner film reng sd'rface of the filmpositioning plate 60;: cf'ithhlm' occi 5. 5 t s ese o po i e si e plates the of the film carriers 58L and 69B are slightly-"onset so that'the end of the film section positioned-on the right hand plate maybe over lapped o'ver the end of the -filmlsection positioned oh'the'leit hand plate.

The pairs of- 'links 6! and '62 are maintained in normal transverse position to maintain the film carriers in normal position for receiving the film sections to be spliced, by means of a suitable spring or the like 63, which in the exampl'elhereof, is'a contractile spring attached between the pivot-pin 522) at one end of the pair of upper links El and the diagonally opposite pivot'pin 62b of :the lower pair of links 82, so that, the spring constantly tends to draw the linksand the carriersmounted thereon to their normal position such as shown in Fig. 3. The links of the film carriers are maintainedin normal posiition against the displacing action of spring 63 by the abutment of-the links Bl andEZ against the adjacent edges, respectively, of the opposite side base supporting legs. 58a (seeing. 3). The 9.1;-

.' such hat; the lin s aho-tl i fcehr rs are. free e [ta ile he; ha ed, hat hc leng e, 6i

side. o thehese .1

li e tii oration by the apparatus.

mov in. h di ction tor. lm. sp ice e ti n oppo i to. the dir. tio o mo em t. o which dis a ed h the ac on t. spr n 6.3.-

as emhh nce. the. of the. term above des bed. efer in o Figs, 3. n ,2 it

nosesN dar n the-c elrat chc the a ara us In the operation of the above described form of the assemblin a a s. or l in pos sect ons. fo e a ple may hc c rec in. e 26 c the dra h e first P ned 0 hcfilm ca riers when the latter a e in he o t n Q his, 3-. n ass mbling nd l ci he n s t he fi secti ns... wh ch se ons L. and R e shaped-a d or-med in cor anc w th ile.- ,6, h fi m sectio 1-, i pos tio d a st he id plate flc of film ca r er 5.9. wi h he n o the film se tion res in on a d aga n the. hose N oi member 54 loca ed n, he ri h an si e. f se 5.9 W ththe e d c fi m sectio L so noohcd .thccar he ct film car i r 69L s aole of the lmccctic i tc final y s pos tion. f lmo t e uide l t 59c- ?he film ection R is he i s te etw en the .m hc s 5| wit th end h r ove h lm L a d oc t d und r and ainst the nose &1- oihe. member 5! pos hc a the. le ha A te be ng o hc i icned. film section m then be taWh utwardly to the right and the lips M of the film section L and; B wil hen b come hooke r n e o k und r. ea h o her (s e, Fi s. 2 and 2 due to 'disslacemen by the noses N which proj ct in oppo dire t on respe t v ov h cen er u h heeui e pla e 6 c w e th lm n he os t on o Big. 3. In th s i s i arecheeee and hoo ed to ether, t e film s ctio B w ll then be drawn .to-no it ohtor l atin cheo s sprocket holes ove he tab tild'o the uide pl tic o film carrier EBB. t thereby finall osi on fi m s tion preparatory to th next as emblin on- Th n Wh le holdin he respectivefilm ections R and L a ainst the uideslltfaoes. ttc of the film carrier 68R and etl the ri ht hand ii mc rr r 5 B is splaced and-mov d downward to the po tion shown n Bliss. 4 .an l 12, thereby corresp ndin ly moving film carrierfitll upwardly and causing a displace mentor rotating Increment of thefilm, sections R and L around the members iii to cause the noses N to push or. displace the Zend tab ll) of each film section through the perforation l2 of the pppositefilm. s'ectionto complete the interlocking"andfinallassembly of the'splicei'nto position. and relation connecting .the film sections R and L together. Upon thecompletion of this operation, the film car-Tiers fiilR and ML are then returned. tdtheir'ndrmal position alined trans .versely ofthe' baseit as shown in Fig. 3, and thecom'p'letely. spliced and connected film sections'ise'e Eigs. 27 and 28) are then removed from the apparatus. The displacement of the end tabs 10 "ofthe-v fihnsection R and L'by the'ac'tion o! the noses N with the film carriers in the position of Fig. 4, is clearly shown by the enlarged view of Fig. 12, in which end tab ll] of film section R is shown in position forced through perforation l2 of film section L by nose N at the left side of the base 59', while tab H) of film section L is shown in position forced through perforation l2 of film section R by the nose N at the right side of the base 59. It is to be here noted that the height or vertical length of each nose N is less than the length of the perforations |2 formed in the shaped ends of the film sections, in order that these noses may readily function to flex and force the film section end tabs I!) through perforations l2. When the film carriers are returned to their normal position of Fig. 3, the connected and spliced film sections R and L will flex back into. and assume normal alinement and the tabs shown as extended and held in outwardly projected positions from opposite sides of the film by thenoses N, will flex, and snap back toward and assume positions flatly against the side surfaces of the film respectively adjacent such tabs as shown, for example in Figs. 27 and 28 of the drawings.

The film splice assembling apparatus in the form as above described, is designed and intended to also be employed forthe purpose of disassem-- bling and disconnecting spliced film sections. For example, with the splice as shown in Figs. 27 and 28, connecting the film sections R and L, in order to disassemble the splice and disconnect the film sections, the spliced film is inserted between the members but with the film sections in reverse position to their position when placed in the apparatus for splice assembly, that is, for disasse-mbly the splice is positioned between noses N withthe film section L uppermost and overlapping the film section R. The spliced film is positioned in the apparatus with the splice located between members 5| so that the noses N engage the film section end tabs l8 at the opposite sides, respectively, of the film sections, at the film section perforations l2. Then by displacement of the film carriers 69R and 69L from normal position of Fig. 3 I to the maximum displaced position of Fig. 4, the

noses N will force the end tabs ID of the film sections back throughthe perforations I2 into which they were interlocked so as to disengage the end tabs from the film sections. The film sections may then be removed from the apparatus and the engaged lips M of the sections unhooked to thereby completely separate and disconnect the film sections R and L. Such operations are carried out without damage to the film sections, or to the shaped ends thereof, so that the disconnected sections may, if desired, be rearranged in editing 'and spliced to other film sections by use of the splicing apparatus.

The assembling and splice forming apparatus of the form of Fig. 3, is not limited or restricted to the particular mounting, arrangement and operating movement of the film carriers 69L and 66R and the link mechanism for the carriers which embodies the links 5| and 62 pivotally mounted on the base 50 for rotation about the central pivots Bid and 62a. A modified form and arrangement of linkage for the carriers is more onless diagrammatically disclosed and indicated in Figs. 8 and 9. According to this modification,

. the required action and movement of the film carriers may be obtained by mounting such car riers forswinging on stationary lowerlink 62', instead of moving the film carriers in horizontal parallelism 'about'the pivots 6| a and 62a at'thecenter of both the upper links 6| and lower links 62, in accordance with the form of Fig. 3. In the modification of Figs. 8 and 9, the nose forming members 5| are mounted upon a base member 50' which is centrally pivoted at its lower end to the" stationary link 62, and which is pivoted at its upper end at the center of the links 6|, intermediate the end pivots of such links by which the film carriers are connected with the links. The normal position of this modified film carrier mounting nd arrangement is shown in Fig. 8,.

and in order to operate the arrangement for film splicing and assembly, the film carriers, with the base member 59' on which the .nose forming members 5| are mounted, are swunglaterally androtated about the pivot points onthe lower stationary link 62' in a direction to the right in the presentexample, to assume the position shown in Fig. 9, and by such movement to thereby rotate or displace the film section ends on the carriers and the nose forming members 5|, relativeto each other, in order to interlock and assemble the ends of the film sections. It is here noted that, in this instance, the carrier surfaces 660 and nose pieces 5| are reversed and that the leftfilm end L would end R.

The preferred form of the splice assembling apparatus as above described, is combined with film section end forming and shaping apparatus to provide the combined, unitary apparatus of the invention as disclosed inFigs. 1, 3, l0 and 11. One possible form which the film section end shaping mechanism may take is illustrated in the drawings as designed to form the type of mechanically interlocked splice of Figs. 26 to 29, although it is to be understood that the illustrated form of film section end cutting and shap ing apparatus is not'limited to the shaping and forming of film ends for the form of splice of Figs. 26 to 29. It is contemplated, and the invention includes the necessary design and shape changes in the cutting and perforating elements of the apparatus, required to adapt the appara-- tuse to shape and form the film section ends to any desired particular design and arrangement'of splice. r

The embodiment of the film section end cutting and shaping apparatus selected as an exambe placed over the right film ple for purposes of explanation, is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2,3, 6, 'I, 10 and 11. The apparatus in-:

cludes a body or base structuretll, which may be in the form of a stamping of suitable metal or other material, formed to provide the opposite side spaced vertical walls 39a having the out wardly turned, lower horizontally disposed sup-' porting base forming footings or flanges 30b. The body 30 includes the front or forward wall 3| which is inclined or sloped upwardly and 'rearwardly to terminate in a downwardly and forwardly extended punch holding member 32 extending a distance spaced below but substan-. tially parallel to the front wall 3! of the body. The punch holding member 32 is, in the present example, bent back to extend rearwardly and upwardly from the forward end of member 32 to provide the integral film end shaping member 33 spaced therebelow but inclined slightly downwardly out of parallelism therewith, and terminating spaced a distance forwardly from the up:v per rear end of punch holding member 32. The

side walls 39a are cut away at their lower, for-. ward portions to provide theopenings 30c through which'the film scraps and cuttings resulting from ascents be readily removed.

A swinging die carrying member or arm 34, pretera'bly'formed as a stamping and .of generally closed channel or box shape in cross section, is mounted for vertical swinging on a horizontally disposed pin or shaft'35 whidh is mounted extending across and between "the opposite side walls 33a of the body 30, the ends of the pin 35 being suitably secured and positioned in the opposite side walls, as will be clear by reference to Fig. "7. The swinging die carrying arm 34 is rotatably mounted at its "forward end on pin 35 between side walls 30a of the body at, and extends upwardly and :rearwardly from the body and beneath thepunoh holding "member 32 and endshaping member 33 formed and positioned atthe upper rear end of the forward wall of the body. The outer end portion of the swinging arm 34 forms a handle member H, and the upper side of arm 35 provides ta surface 31a for receiving a film section or sections and for properly positioning the end or ends thereof in the apparatus for shaping and forming. Spaced ears or pins 33 are provided, "in the present example, extending upwardly from the upper surface 341; of the swinging :arm 34, for engaging sprocket holes of a film section or sections in order to properly and accurately position a film section and the end thereof on the swinging arm 34 for forming and "shaping.

The ears -36 are formed by bending up portions of the upper wall of the arm 34, and attention isrdirected to the fact that if, as in the present example, the metal or other material from which the-swinging'arm is stamped or otherwise formed, 'too thin to form an ear or tab 36 of a size to properly occupy asprocket hole of a film to hold the .film in position without endor longitudinal play or movement relative to the ear, then two or more ears may be employed as shown in the accompanying drawings, with .a proper spacing therefor to enter the sprocket holes =of a film with one ear engaging the lower side of the sprocket hole in which .it is received and the other car engaging the upper side of the sprocket hole inwhich it received. In this manner, end or longitudinal play of a film section positioned on the swinging arm 34 is prevented.

- The upper side or top wall of the swinging arm member terminates at its'forward end in a position substantially below the punch holding member '32 and the ffilm end shaping member 88, *and is formed and shaped to provide the .fiim end shaping fmember or die '31. This die 3] is in the present example, referring now to Fig. 2, shaped in plan to conform to the shape of the tab 110 to be formed from the end of a film section to be shaped (see Fig. 26). The fixed position end shaping member or die 33 positioned above die 31, is cut out to a shape to conformto andireceivethe die member 31, so as to present edges 33a (see Figs. 3 and 1'1) to cooperate and engagewith the edges 31a of die member 31, in order to cut the end portion of a section engaged between such die members to the desired shape to form the tab It on the film section. The .film Lend shaping die 37 is formedand provided within perforating die opening 38 therein and 'therethrough (see Figs. '2 and 11'), of a shape corresponding and conformingto theshape 'ofthe-perforation or slot l2 (see Fig; 26) to be formed in the shaped end of a suitably located relative to the cutting edges 31a ofsie :31 to properly (locate the perforation 12in the end of a film section. A stripper plate 39 of channel shape in cross section is fastened and secured by its opposite walls to the opposite walls oft-he swinging arm -member 34, with the upper side wall 39a of plate 39 bridging the upper 'sur-' face 3 m of the arm 34 in spaced relation thereabove (see Fig. 11 in particular). The upper or rear transverse edge 3%, referring now to Fig. 2, of the stripper plate 39a is beveled transversely of the plate in order to facilitate the insertion of a film section downwardly and forwardly between the stripper plate-and the film positioning surface 36a of the swinging arm 34, while the lower or forward edge portion of the stripper plate 3th is formed'to closely surround the perforating the open-ing'38 in the die member 31 on substantially three sides of such opening, namely, the upper or rear side and the opposite outer sides or ends of the opening. This will be clear by reference to Fig. 2 in connection with Fig. 11.

The opposite sides of the channel shaped stripper plate 39 may be secured or attached to the adjacent opposite sides'of the swinging arm 34 by spot welding, rivets or by other suitable fastening means. The lower forward portions of the opposite sides of the stripper plateare formed to provide toes 390 which engage and contact the upper edges of the body side walls 300, to limit the rearward and downward swing of the arm 34 (see Figs. land 11).

The swinging arm '35 is provided with and carrise a shearing wing or knife 40 which is, in the example hereof, formed as an integral extension of one side wall of the swinging arm 34. The shearing wing or knife 40 provides a lower cutting edge flea which cooperates with a cutting or shearing edge 4i provided by the upper edge of the adjacent side wall 30a of the body 30, as.

will be clear by reference'to Fig. 11. The opposite side walls 360. of body'30 are each provided at their upper rear ends with vertically disposed film guide portions so and at the forward end of the shearing or cutting edge 4] a film guide that is provided by the edge forming side wall 30a,

with a similar guide 3011 being formed from the opposite side wall 30a in transverse alinement with the first mentioned guide 3001. The arrangement of the film guides 30c and 3001 is particularly shown by Fig. 6.

A film cut off guide shelf or platform 42 is formed, in the instant example, integral with and extending outwardly and horizontally from the side wall 300, of body 30 that is opposite the side wall 30a which provides the film cutting edge 4!. At the outer forward side portion of the platform 42, a film retaining plate 42a is bent up into position spaced above the upper surface of platform 42, and such plate 42a has a film locating and positioning tab 4% formed therefrom, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 7.

The punch holding member 32 at the upper end of the front wall 3! of the body '30 above the swinging arm 3 is provided with spaced punch holding ears 32a (see Figs. 3, 10 and 11) between which a suitable film perforating punch 43 is preferably detachably'mounted in position de pending therefrom and extending through and closely fitting in a suitable opening formed through the member 32 therebelow. The punch 43 is provided with a cross sectional shape to conform to the shape of the perforating die opening 38 in die 31 carried on swinging arm 34,

in order to form the perforation or slot ofth'e- 43 may be solid, as in the example hereof, or itmay be formed hollow of a piece of suitable tubme, such as steel tubing deformed to the desired cross section shown in Fig. 3. The punch 43 is so positioned and located on the punch holding member 32 that it will enter the perforating die opening 33 when the die member 31 is swung upwardly and forwardly by the swinging arm 34. While only one punch 43 is disclosed, a plurality thereof may be mounted and properly positioned in the member 32, in accordance with the design requirements for the film section ends to be shaped, suitable changes being also made in'the die 31 to provide the necessary conforming and mating perforating die openings, such as opening 38 for punch 43, in die 31, as well as suitable changes in cutting edges 33a and 31a. While the shearing or die member 33 is shown in this instance as formed from and integral with the punch holding member 32, such die member may be formed as a separate element suitably detachably secured to and supported from the adjacent portions of the opposite side walls 33a of body 30, and my invention contemplates and includes the use of a die member so formed and mounted.

In the operation and use of the above described example of film section end forming and shaping apparatus, the blade 40 is primarily provided for economical severing of an integral length of film when, in editing, it is desired to rearrange the sequence of scenes from that in which they were photographed on the film. The film could, of course, be torn apart or cut at random, but this would probably result in the loss of three (3) picture frames, or two (2) frames in length, as illustrated roughly in Fig. 26, where a central frame has been destroyed by cutting and the two adjacent frames are to be overlapped. If, however, the cut is accurately made with blade 43 while film is located with tab 421), the cut will be made at the tip of tab l0, so that the film ends of both sections may have the tabs l formed in the end frames or the two frames that were adjacent prior to severance. foregoing operation only two (2) picture frames, or one (1) frame in film length, are lost.

As an example of the use of blade 40, the swinging arm 34 with the cutting or shearing blade 40, is swung upwardly or raised to position in which blade Ml is above the cutting or shearing edge 4| as shown in Fig. 10. The film is then inserted under the guide plate 42a on; table 42, and placed across body 33 to a position with the film extending across cutting edge 4|, the film being located relative to edge 4! by positioning one of its sprocket holes S on tab 42b. The arm 34 is then pressed or swung downwardly to swing blade 43 downwardly across and through thefilm, to shear or cut the film between the cutting edge 40a of blade 4!), and the cooperating cutting edge 4| of the body side wall 38a.

With the swinging arm 34 in downwardly swung position as shown in Figs. 1 and 11, with the ears 390 of the arm abutting and engaging the adjacent portions of the upper edges of the body side walls, the arm is in position to receive and position a film for shaping. The end of a film section is then inserted under the stripper plate 39a of the stripper unit 33, and the film is pushed downwardly under the stripper plate until the tip of film contacts the transverse ears or bridge 34b of member 34. When the film section is withdrawn just enoughto engage the first By the available sprocket hole S (referring to 8 mm. or

16 mm. type film) with an ear 36,-the end portion of film section will be properly located rela-' tive to the die 31 for the cutting operation in proper spaced relationship to said sprocket holes and with a minimum wastage of film. The provision of locating bridge 34b facilitates performance of the film end locating operation quickly and by the sense of touch which is an advantage when working in a darkened room. Then, with the film section positioned on swinging arm 34, this arm is swung upwardly to a position in which the die 31 engages die 33 and the punch 43 enters the perforating die opening 38 to thereby shear or cut the end of the film section to form the end tab Ill (see Fig. 26) and to punch out andform the perforation I2 through the film end.-

The arm 34 is disclosed in its maximum upwardly swung position in Fig. 10, with punch 43 en gaged in the perforating die opening 38 of die 3! and with die 31 in film cutting engagement and relation with die 33. It is to be here noted that the film end shaping member or die 33 is inclined slightly downwardly and rearwardly from a radial line through pivot 35, so as to provide a gradual shearing or cutting action as the die 31 is swung upwardly by rotation of arm 34 about the pivot pin 35 into shearing engagement with shaping die 33. Also, the end of punch 43 may be formed concave or convex transversely, to provide it also with a gradual shearing action to decrease punching effort. Or the upper surface of die 31 may be made concave to obtain the same result. Upon completion of the forming and shaping of a film section end by the action of the dies 33 and 3! and of the punch 43 and its cooperating perforating die opening 38, the arm 34 is swung downwardly to its normal lowered position shown in Figs. 1 and 11. As the arm 34 is swung downwardly from its raised position as shown in Fig. 10, with the dies 33 and 31 and the punch 43 and the perforating die opening 38,

in film shaping and forming engagement, thev stripper plate 39a strips the shaped and formed film end from the punch 43 and the shaping die 33. After the arm 34, with the completely shaped and formed film section thereon, reaches its lowered position, the film section is lifted from engagement with the positioning ears 35 and the shaped film is then withdrawn from the apparatus ready for splice-forming assembly with the film section to be joined thereto. a

If desired or found expedient, the film sections to be formed and shaped preparatory to splicing,

may both be positioned on the swinging arm 34 in superimposed position for simultaneous forming and shaping of the ends thereof by the operation of the apparatus as above described. But

- whether the film sections are separately or si-,

multaneously formed or shaped, the use of the apparatus above described enables the shaping and forming operation to be performed rapidly and accurately, and insures complete uniformity in the shaped film ends formed thereby.

As will be clear from the foregoing in connection with the disclosures of Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings, a unitary combination apparatus is provided which includes as coordinated component organizations, the film section end cutting and shaping mechanism and the assembling mechanism for forming the mechanically interlocked splices between such shaped ends, while also providing separate use of the assembling unit for disassembling film sections previously amazes 15 joined. The film assembling and splicing apparatus is mounted in position on the front or forward upwardly sloping wall 3| of the body 30 on which the film end forming and shaping mechanism is mounted, by means of the base. 50, so that there is thus provided the unitary apparatus for carrying out all of the operations necessary to form and shape and to assemblethe shaped ends of the film sections into spliced relation. This unitary apparatus is of particular utility in connection with a standard or conventional type of rewind apparatus, such as is more or less diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 15 as being mounted upon a base B and as including spaced, opposite rewind reels W. This unitary apparatus of the invention may, as shown in Fig. 15, be mounted on the base B located between the rewind reel W. The apparatus will be found of particular utility in editing or reassembling film or scene sequences. For instance, the film can be severed as may be necessary to remove any desired section thereof, by the film cutting mechanism that includes the blade 40 carried by swinging -arm 34, as particularly illustrated in Figs. and 11. The apparatus is preferably mounted somewhat forward of the plane of reels W to facilitate the placing of film ends on the surface 34a. The ends of the cut or severed film sections selected for splicing are then placed in the forming and shaping apparatus by positioning them on the upper surface of swinging arm 34,

with their ends extended under stripper plate 39 in position for shaping and perforating. After shaping and perforating, the film ends are then placed in the assembling apparatus in position on the movable film carriers 60R and 60L thereof, for operation of the carriers to mechanically interlock the shaped ends into spliced connection.

With respect to the splice assembling apparatus, I have developed several modifications thereof. One such modified design and arrangement of splice assembling apparatus is disclosed in Figs. 16 to 20, inclusive. It is characterized by the fact that the film carriers are not only rotatable around the end assembling noses but are also longitudinally movable relative to each other to displace the film carriers outwardly from and inwardly toward the film end assembling noses to thereby move the overlapped film ends away fromand toward each other; and by the further fact that such modified form of apparatus functions to not only perform the final interlocking of the splice into completed assembly, but also to perform the initial or primary interlocking or interengagin'g of the film "section-ends, as by the lip M of Fig. of the form of splice of Fig. 2'7. This modified form "of apparatus ma be aptly termed a rotating or swinging and expanding type, and referring now particularly to Fig. 19, the apparatus embodies a bearing plate or spacer H, with the nose pieces N secured thereon and to the base 31 by a rivet or suitable shoulder Stud 72. A plate 13 is journaled between the spacer H andthe lower surface of the nose meme bers N, for rotation around stud 12 as an axis while supported on the shoulder of such stud.

Filin carriers ML and lllR of the general design of those described .in connection with the preferred form of the assembling apparatus of Fig. 3, are pivotally mounted in position on the plate 13, by means of the pivot pins 13a located at points diametrically opposite the nose pieces N. The film carrier mounting plate 13 is rotatably mounted on stud 12 and a stop pin 14 mounted on the base 3! is arranged to engage 16 a-lug 1311 at the outer edge of plate 13. so as to hold such plate against rotation in a counters clockwise direction while permitting rotation of the plate in a clockwise direction. A spring 15 is attached at one end to a post 150. on the base: 30a sidewall and at its opposite end to the plate: 13, and such spring normally holds and maintains the plate 13 rotated to position with lug 13b engaging post M so as to maintain the film carriers in their normal position shown in Fig. 16.

The film carriers JUL and MR are mounted and arranged so as to have longitudinal movement relative to each other between collapsed position moved inwardly toward each other and expanded positions moved outwardly in opposite directions from the nose pieces N, and these carriers are held in longitudinal alinement and operative association by the slides 16 which are provided with spaced ears 16a fitting and extending over guide tabs H of the opposite film carrier. The film carriers liiL and NR are constantly urged toward each other and yieldingly maintained in their collapsed or maximum inwardl moved positions on the plate 13 by a spring 18 which is connected between a lug or post at the outer end of carrier 10L, and an eye portion 78a formed in the adjacent inner end portion of the opposite carrier 10R.

The normal position of the film carriers preparatory to operation of the apparatus to inter engage and assemble the shaped film ends is shown in Fig. 16, and film sections R and L shaped for the form of splice of Fig. 26, are indi-- cat'ed as positioned on the film carriers 19R and iflL, respectively, with the shaped ends of these film sections inserted between the nose pieces N in overlapped position and relation. The end of film section R is overlapped onto the end of film section L, and the film sections are positioned on the carriers by the tabs ltd so that there will be excess lapping of the film ends with the carriers in their normal collapsed position of Fig. 16. With the film sections so positioned and the shaped ends thereof over-lapped and dis posed between the nose pieces N, the right hand film carrier 10R. is then depressed or rotated to displace the same downwardly which results in rotation of the carriers MR. and 10L about their respective pivots 13a, with the left hand film carrier moving in an upward direction and both film carriers also simultaneously moving longitudinally relatively to each other in outward directions to the expanded position thereof as shown in Fig. 1'7. During this initial movement of the film carriers around the nose pieces N, and

simultaneously outwardly longitudinally of each other to expanded position, the plate 73 is main tained in its normal position held against stop 74 by the spring 55. During this expanding and rotary movement of the film carriers, the shaped ends of the film sections are drawn apart while the rotation of the overlapped film ends relative to the stationary nose pieces N causes the nose pieces to deflect the lips 14 so that these lips hook over and engage each other in the manner hereinbefore explained. (See Fig. 29.)

After the initial movement of the film carriers HER and 79L to the position of Fig. 1'7, with the resulting hooking of the lips M of the filmf section ends together, the film carriers with the plate '13 on which they are mounted, are rotated further in a clockwise direction. against the forces of the spring 15, .to the position as,

shown in Fig. 18, which movement displaces or wraps the initially interlocked film section ends around the nose pieces N, respectively, so as to cause the nose pieces to force the film section end tabs it through the film perforations i2 to complete the final interlocking and formation of the splice. (See Figs. 27 and 28.) it is to be noted that the design and arrangement 01 this tom: of the apparatus is such that, as the film carriers are rotated around the nose pieces N from the position of Fig. 17, to the position 01 Fig. 18, the eifective length of the film ends is decreased and straining or the film is thereby avoided due to the partial inward movement or collapse or the film carriers lilL and NR toward each other and toward the nose pieces N. The degree or extent of the clockwise rotation of the carriers in this final movement thereof is determined by the engagement oi the right hand carrier 'lilR against the stop pin 76. (See Fig. 18.) Upon completion of the splice assembly, the film carriers are released and are then returned to their normal position by the action by spring 75, after which the spliced film sections may be removed from the apparatus.

Another modified form of film assembly apparatus is disclosed in Figs. 21 to 25, inclusive, and such modified form is characterized by an arrangement and mounting of the film carriers by which the carriers are rotatable around the film end assembly nose pieces and are also mounted for sliding movement in opposite directions away from and towardeach other, to expanded and collapsed positions relative to the nose pieces. Referrin now particularly to Figs. 2a and 25, this modified form or the apparatus includes a sub-base 86 for mounting upon a main base, such as the base 3 l, which sub-base includes an elevated or raised central portion that having the nose pieces N mounted in fixed position thereon extending upwardly therefrom and in axial alignment therewith.

A film carrier mounting and supporting body comprising the central hub forming portion 8i, with the opposite arms 82 extending radially therefrom in longitudinal alinelnent, is mounted upon the raised portion 800. of sub-base 36 for rotation thereon about the vertical axis of the portion 83a. The hub portion 8| is mounted between the upper surface of the elevated base portion 89a and the base forming lower surface of the nose pieces N., for rotation around a suitable pivot pin or stud (not shown) by which the nose pieces N" are secured and mounted on the elevated base 86a, the nose pieces being mounted upon or formed extending upwardly from a suitable base plate 8%. Thus, the film carrier mounting arms 82 extend radially outwardly from the central hub portion ti, and are rotatable around the nose pieces N" on the elevated base portion 80a.

Film carriers 86R. and BBL, generally similar to the film carriers of the apparatus hereinbefore described, are slidably mounted on the opposite arms 82, respectively, for movement in opposite directions longitudinally of said arms, inwardly and outwardly toward and from each other and the nose pieces N. riers 80R and 80L are constantly urged inwardly toward each other and maintained in their collapsed or inwardly moved positions by compression spring 83. Each arm 82 has a spring 83 bearil'lg at one end against a flange 82a bent downwardly from the arm at the outer end thereof, and extending inwardly along the arm to the inner end of the film carrier which is mounted The film car- 18 on that arm where the opposite end of the spring bears against a lip 821) formed from the carrier at the inner end thereof. (See Fig. 24.)

The inner end of each film carrier is formed with a longitudinally disposed and inwardly extending tooth 84, which is adapted to engage in a notch 85 formed in the adjacent edge portion of a cam plate 86 formed by the base plate 86b of the nose pieces N.

In the operation of the modified form of the apparatus of Figs. 21 to 25, the normal starting position of the arms 82 and the film carriers 36R and 86L, is shown in Fig. 21, in which position the teeth t l at the inner ends of the film carriers are engaged in and received by the notches 85, respectively, in the cam plate 86, so that, under the action of the springs 83, the film carriers are pushed or slid on arms 82 to their collapsed position moved inwardly toward each other on the arms 82. In this position, the film sections, such as sections R and L, are mounted and positioned on the film carriers 89R and iliiL, respectively, in a manner generally similar to that described in connection with the apparatus of Fig. 16, with the ends of the sections overlapped and positioned between the nose pieces N. With the film section ends shaped in accordance with Fig. 26 to form the splice of Fig. 2?, the initial hooking or inter-engaging of the lips M of the shaped ends or" the sections, is carried out by rotating the arms 32 with the film carriers BER and 86L thereon, in a clockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 22. During this movement, the carriers as'iiR and 89L are expanded outwardly on the arms 82, away from each other by the camming action of the sides of the notches 85 upon the teeth 84, respectively, at the inner ends oi the carriers, and this expanding action combined with the rotation of the carriers around the nose pieces N" draws the ends of the film sections mounted on the carriers, away from each other while the noses N defiect the lips Hi to cause the same to hook over or engage each other.

With the film carriers initially rotated to the position of Fig. 22, the arms 82 with the film carriers are then further rotated in a clockwise direction to the position of Fig. 23, which displaces or wraps the film section ends around the nose pieces N, so as to cause such noses to force the end tabs ID of the film sections through the perforations i2 into position interlocking the film sections and completing the assembly of the splice. The carriers are permitted to move toward each other during the swing from position of Fig. 22 to position of Fig. 23 by the spiral shape of cam plate 85 (or 3th) upon which the teeth 84 ride and are guided. The arms 82 with the film carriers may then be rotated in a counter clockwise direction back to the normal position of Fig. 21, whereupon the spliced film sections R and L may be removed from the apparatus.

The sub-base in the assembly hereof is formed with an upwardly bent flange Ste, in this instance at the lower end of the sub-base, which flange is so positioned relative to the arms 82 that the left hand edge thereof forms a stop for engaging the left hand carrier 86L with the carriers in normal position, while the opposite edge of lip 880 is engaged by the right hand carrier 8BR. to limit the clockwise rotation of the film carriers and determine the final assembling position of the film carriers as shown in Fig. 23.

With respect to both the modification of the 19.; film assembling apparatus ofFig. 16, andof the above. described modification of, Fig. 21', it is to be noted particularlythat, theslot or. space be: tween the filmend assembling. noses is substantially in line with. the fi1m,c.ar i rs wh n the. la erare in thei n al, ormal position or re: ceiving he overlapped. film e ds, sothat ther is no initialdefiection of th film e dsnntil the. rotation of the film carriers about. the nose pieces has, started. This distinguishes these for f the appara us. r m the. r an ement, of. the .nreierredformcffie- 3, thensertion of thefilm secti n ends betwe n. heno e. pi ces. is a compan ed .by imm dia e. deflec on. of he. por i ns oi he. filmi ect onends en a ed by. th nos N n opp site di ection ot a m nua u ward iovezn ntof. tn film e tion may from eacho he ill eswtin h oki a r. en a n h ips 5... Qn. the othe hand. n, the. mod fled ormsof he apnaratns hei it al.

hqokine r en gin i hefilmsectien ends.

by t e ps. 3,. smeriormedwfih he. par tus. y he nit lrctatig pr mov men q heffilm ar ier about thenose pi And t s qbe. rther. noted that hesempdified orms are. 9. seiul. or. dis onnec in reviou l or ed. p i es.

t. i al o ident. h t ar on othe de i n rr ns ments, modificati ns. com inations. nd. onstr tions. m gh e esor ed. o .W thw ieparties. om t e .blioast n ri aridsqe e otmy n: n ion, nihe el. 9 n tde e r ntend. o. imitan r strict nvention. eellre pe ts 9. hesoe fi istlesuresq the se al. embo im nts; hereo lust ted.ae ee eri eih reia y. War Q xamp Whatl cla m is;

L n bearatus t r snli eefils ntices. n. ombinat o a semblie os s. ri ov siee o her betwe o feq i net e y iils Pee nd 92; film sect ons to e. lic d. filleee an e e. m unte t. posite ides Qt.ea dee e, h iv ne nd esit eni eth l Z ?-PlF T?1 on, respectively, with the ends oi tl1 e filn seoien e le n and. e e pee ot e ot. e ween-sa d. n ses}. eedse nd. id. .mwbeiee me l t vem em ts; 9 5. g osi ioned. n. dcarr ers... ainst. a no e espectivelvn. ann atus e pl eins in esti es n... om n ion lme e ionfin aeee mam io ins pace. her b tve e e r. os a. we. r apped en s ei lmfiet s $9.1 2 9 m e iqn r ier ormsi in ndpqsit geie he pp s fi c n her'eoa. s set v ln i h. he-en o he ysections verlai ne aee ro iion d. in the. spac etweensa dmember and. i ar ie n a d en a in member e n ou edend rr n ed orfr a i v me s, to draw the overlapped ends of th film sections, laterally to engage opposite sides thereof agains t said members, respectively.

3. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, film section carriers forreceiving n pv t e pp tefilni 55 .9 5 themes respectively, with theiends. of the film sections being. overlapped, n a i g m mb Pos t oned for fengagingopposite sides or the overlapped ends at. .lo cations spaced longitudinally thereof, an d v said carriers and said engaging members being mounted and arranged for relative movement to force opposite sides of the overlappedfilm section ends laterally against the. adjacent engaging members, respectively 4. In, apparatus fons Being-film. sections, in combination, filmsection. engagingmembersprm viding. a. space. therebetween. for, receiving. the. overlapped ends. of. film sections. to be. spliced,

5 said members. being. positioned. to. engage the. overlapped film-section. ends at opposite-sides. and

at, locations. spaced. longitudinally-,- thereoi, re-. spectively, filmseotion carriers for receivingand positioning film. sections... thereon, respectively, 10,; with the endsoithe film sections.beingloverlapped and. positioned. in the space betweensaid film engaging members, and-.said. carriers. and said. engaging .members .being. mountediandarrangedf0r...re1a.tive. movements. tolmovethe overlapped- 15, ends of the-film.sectionslaterally into engagement atopposite-sides thereofiwithsaidiengagingmem hers, respectively 5. Inapparatus. foresplicing film sections, in.

combination, nose members spaced apart topro- 2Q vide aslot-therebetween forreceiving the overlapped-endsot fi1msectionsto be'spliced, film section carriers located at opposite-sides ofsaid nose members for receiving-and positioning the film sections thereon, respectively, with-theeends 241' of the fi-lmsectionsoverlappedand-- positioned in the slot between said-noses, and-saidfilmsection carriers and-nose members being mountedand arranged for relative movement therebetween to engage theoverlapped ends of the film sec- 30; tions against said-nose members.

6; Inapparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, splice assembling nose members havinga slot therebetween for: receiving the overlapped ends of filn sections to be spliced; film 5 section carriers located adjacent said nose members for receiving and positioning the film sec-- tions thereon, respectively, with the ends of the film sections overlappedand positioned in the 40 slot between saidnoses,f'said'carriers being mountwe ed'for movement relative to'each other to move the overlapped ends 01" the film sections to increaseor decrease the extent oi overlap thereof, and the said carriers and nose members "being r mounted and arrangedj'or relative, movement 9: therebetweerr to engagethe overlapped ends of the film sections against said nose; members.

'7.' In apparatus for s'plicing film sections, in

co mbinjatioii, filmljengagil membersproviding 0 as'pace therebetween forfreceiving the ovrlapped ends of film sections tq'befspliced, said members q i i ne nsesefihe rlapp nds. t. p q d san at bs-et os s e i 1 s? tudi na'lly thereof, film section carriers for. reei neae o i hiea h s ee some,

" h r on e 'e j e m thaj l ele d e e Q1= ions being 'overlapped and I posit U n in the p c et n a mo r as ei ei mo p eet'si'eleere ieefqe t ejrj ol 6033 move the overlapped ends oi the,filni sections ion;

e tu e la o ash ihe eu ne ea e decrease the exjtent of oveif ptherepf and the. aid. rr e and ees ersse i e ne.

e. mo eme ts s ates-l t. he-. verr. asai tsa d en.-

c5-. Q. rall l' esae e eecs evees ends. f th ifilmsen eaginamember sp ctive n poarat sion lines. film sections. in. lb letilml. film. eeies ca s...= r rec ivin 7 11 .5 1. DQSiQ P QJ QQIQ L 2a EQQitfl film ,sec-.

' tions, respectively, tobe, splicedwith the; ends of the sections being overlapped filmeIlgasingmem: e esi e r; nga ing: mos te i rthe, overlapped film sectionends at locations 1s,- eaeed. .lens usiinal x hemati -..app1y laterally...

acting forces to the film section ends respectively adjacent thereto, and said carriers being mounted and arranged for movements relative to each other to move the overlapped ends of the film sections longitudinally relative to each other and for movements in opposite directions about said engaging members to force said members into engagement with the adjacent film section ends at opposite sides of the overlap thereof.

9. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, film engaging members providing a space therebetween for receiving the overlapped ends of film sections to be spliced, film section carriers for receiving and positioning thereon the opposite film sections, respectively, to be spliced with the ends of the film sections being overlapped and positioned in the space between said engaging members, said carriers being mounted for movement relative to each other to move the overlapped ends of the film sections longitudinally relative to each other, and said carriers and said engaging members being mounted and arranged for relative movements to engage said members with and force the same laterally against the opposite sides of the overlapped film section ends.

10. In apparatus forsplicing film sections, in combination, members providing a slot therebetween for receiving the overlapped ends of film sections to be spliced, each of said members formed to provide an assembling nose with said noses spaced apart along the slot, film section carriers movably mounted at opposite sides of said members adjacent the opposite ends, respectively, of said slot, each of said carriers adapted to receive and position a film section with its end disposed in the slot between said members in overlapped relation with the end of the other film section, and the said film section carriers being movable in opposite directions to draw the overlapped ends of the film sections positioned thereon laterally against said noses, respectively.

11. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, a base, members on said base extending outwardly therefrom in spaced relation to form a slot therebetween for receiving the overlapped ends of the film sections to be spliced, each of said members being provided with an assembling nose at opposite ends of said slot spaced a distance longitudinally of the slot from the assembling nose of the other member, film section carriers supported from said base and positioned opposite the ends, respectively, of the slot between said members, said film carriers adapted to receive and position a film section thereon with the end of the section disposed in the slot between said noses in overlapped relation with the end of the film section positioned on the other of said carriers, and the said film carriers being movably supported from said base for movement in opposite directions to draw the film sections positioned thereon in opposite directions laterally against said assembling noses, respectively.

12. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, assembling noses mounted spaced apart facing each other and being offset and spaced apart laterally to form a space therebetween for receiving the overlapped ends of film sections to be spliced, with film section carriers movably mounted at opposite sides of said noses for displacement in opposite directions transversely of the space between said noses.

13. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in

combination, assembling noses mounted in posi-,

tion spaced apart laterally and extended inwardly toward each other in spaced relation to define a space therebetween to receive the ends of film sections with the film sections overlapped and hooked together against longitudinal movement outwardly away from each other when the film sections are placed under tension, film section carriers movably mounted at opposite sides of said noses adjacent the opposite ends, respectively, of the film receiving space between the noses, said film carriers being adapted to receive and position the film sections thereon, respectively, with the film section ends overlapped and positioned in the space between said noses, and the said film carriers being displaceable in op posite directions to draw the overlapped endsof the film sections against the saidnoses, respectively.

14..In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, assembling noses mounted in position spaced apart laterally and extended inwardly toward each other to define a space to receive the ends of film sections in overlapped relation therebetween, each of said noses extended across the spacebetween the noses a distance relative to the other nose to be disposed in overlapped relation therewith, film section carriers movably mounted at opposite sides of said noses adjacent the opposite ends, respectively,

of the film section receiving opening between the noses, said carriers in normal position disposed in alinement and being displaceable from normal position in opposite directions to film section end assembling position with each carrier being moved in a direction opposite the direction in which the nose extends that is respectively adjacent thereto.

15. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, assembling noses mounted in position spaced apart laterally and facing inwardly toward each other in spaced relation to form a space between said noses for receiving the overlapped ends of film sections, film section carriers movably mounted at opposite sides of said noses adjacent the opposite end, respectively, of the film end receiving space therebetween, said carriers being mounted for movement in opposite directions outwardly from said noses to move the overlapped ends of film sections positioned thereon longitudinally outwardly relative to each other, and the said carriers being also mounted for simultaneous swinging about said noses as an axis to draw the overlapped film section ends in opposite directions against said noses, respectively.

16. In apparatus for splicing film sections, in combination, assembling noses mounted in position spacedapart laterally and facing inwardly toward each other in spaced relation to form a space between the noses for receiving the overlapped ends of film sections, a plate member mounted for rotation about the base portion of the noses as an axis, film section carriers mounted on said plate member extending radially therefrom at opposite sides of the noses adjacent the opposite ends, respectively, of the film receiving space between the noses, each film carrier being mounted on said plate for swinging independently thereof about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the plate, the said carriers being operatively coupled together to cause swinging of one thereof about its pivot on the plate to swing the other about its pivot in the same direction with the carriers moved longitudinally relative to each other in opposite directions inwardly toward or outwardly from said noses, force exerting means maintaining said plateagainst rotation under-the action of swinging forces ap pliedito said: carriers, and;the saidplate and car riers rotatable as a unit: about saidinoses by the application of rotatingforces thereto =of a mag nit-edeto overcome the said force-exerting means;

17. In apparatus for splicing film sections; in combination, assembling noses mounted in: position spaced apart l-aterallysandlfacing inwardly toward each other in spaced relation to-form a space between: the noses for receiving the overlapped ends of filmsections, ahubimembenro tatabl y mounted adj acentthe b ase: portion'of said nosesfor rotation therearoun'd -as-an axis, opposite arms mounted on and extending in longitudinal alinement radially from said hub member, av film. section carrier slidably mounted on each arm for movement longitudinally thereof toward and from said hub member, force means constantly exerting forces: on said carriers: to move the same inwardlyt'oward each' other on' said arms, said carriers in normal position of said: arms relative to the noses b'eing maintained by saidforcemeans in maximum=positions= of: inward movement on said arms; saidarmsand carriersbeing rotatableas-a-unit: about thesaidnoses,- and means: for forcing said carrierssou-t:- wardly on said armsagainst theaction of said force means by'the' rotation of the arms and carriers: from normal position: relative to said? noses;

18-. In apparatus for splicingfilm sections, a base, splice assembling nosesmounted: on'wsaid; base in position spaced apartlaterallyand facing;

inwardly toward each other in: spaced; relation to:

form aspace between themoses for receiving the overlapped ends of film sections with the-oppo site sides of the overlappedfilms adjacent said noses, respectively, film-section carrierspositionedx: at opposite sides of said: noses adjacent the oppo-ssite ends, respectively of. the film end-receiving space between-said noses,:-a linkrmechanism pivot-- ally mounted on said base at' opposite sides: of: said noses, and said film carriersvbeing pivotallyi mounted on said link mechanism and beingimov able therewith and guidedthereby in: opposite, directions across-- the" ends; of 'the.= film yreceivings space between said noses.

19. In apparatus for forming and 'shaping-the ends of filmsections'fonsplicing, in -comb'inatiom a base, an-arm member pivotal lymoun-ted: at one; end to said basefor vertical swinging, theupper side oisaid arm providing a surface-ior receiving and positioning a film sectiorrthereon, a film; section end shaping die-attire upper-side of said arm, a stripper plate adj acen-t' said die for engag ing thefilm section to disengage-thefilm from-'apunch, a film section shaping member-mounted in position-above saidarm-torfilmcuttirig err--- gagementby said arm-carried-die when-said--armis swung upwardly;

20; Inapparatus-iorforming and shaping "the endsof filmsections for' splicirig, in combination; a base, anarmmember pivotaIly mounted on said base forverticalswinging, afil m end' shaping die mounted on said arm, a film end-shaping die mounted supported "fromsaid-base in posi tionabove said-arm for film cutting engagement with said arm carriedd'iewhen the armis-sw-ung upwardly, a fiim'perforatingpunch supportedfrom saidbase; a perforating opening-formed in-- said arm for receiving said punchwhen thearm' is swung upward-1y to-position engaging said-shaping dies, the upperside of said arm providing a surface for receiving-"and positioning a film section thereon'W-ith the-end of the section-'di's'-' 24 posed over said arm carried die and said perforating opening-- shaping and perforating when the arm-is swung-upwardly to position engaging thefiimbetween-said dies and the punch and perforating opening.

21. In apparatus for forming and shaping the ends of film sections for splicing, in combination, aibase, an arm: member piyotallymounted at one end on said/base for. vertical swinging, afilm sectioncend shaping-idle at the upper side of said arm,. a filmisection shapingmember located in normallyfixed position above. said arm for film cutting engagement by the die carried by said arm. whenthe arm. is. swung upwardly, the upper side of said. arm providing a: surface for receiving and, positioning a; film: section thereon; for end shaping: between said arm-carried. die member and said; shaping member located thereabove; a cutting blade carried. by said swinging arm, and afixed-positiorr cutting blade located on said base for film-cutting engagement WlthwSaid arm carried blade, and film guide: means: located on said base for positioning a. film across said base carriedblade for cutting by downward: swinging, of said,'

arm carriedblade.

22. In apparatus for forming and shaping the;

ends oZ-film sections for splicing; in combination, cooperatingrrelatively movable punch and die end shaping members, means for locating a film sectionrelative to said members, and a stripping member arranged to disengage the section the punch aiter the forming and shaping operations 23. Unitaryappara-tus for shapingtheends of fillm-sectionsto besplioed and for splicing such shapedends together;- embodying: in combination; a body structure having; an upwardly; and; rearwardlyinclined forward wall, a swinging arm pivotally mounted at its forward end on said body structure below'the upperend portion of said forward wall for vertical swinging; a film endshaping die located at the-upper side of said arm, film end shaping members located at the under side of the upper portion of said forward wall for engagement by said arm carried die when the arm is swung upwardly, and film splicing mechanism mounted on said forward wall for receiving and splicing the ends of film sections after shaping of such. ends between said arm carried die and the shaping member at the under side of the upper portion of said for-ward wall, said film splicing mechanism being mechanically disconnected iromzsaid shaping mechanism topermit separate operation. thereof to disassemble film. sections previously spliced.

24. Apparatus for shaping-the ends of film sec-- tions. tobe spliced and for splicing such shaped ends together, embodying, in combination, a body structure providing an upwardly and rearwardly inclined forward wall, a swinging arm pivotally mounted at its forward end on saidbody structure belowth-eupper end portionof said forward wall for vertical swinging, film end shaping memberslocated at the underside of the upperportion of saidzforward, wall-tor engagement by said arm carried die:when the arm is swung. upwardly, splicing mechanism mounted on said forward walltbelow the upper end thereof for receiving and Spiicingthe'ends of film sections after shaping of such ends between said swinging arm carried die and said shaping member at the under side ot the upperportion of said forward wall, and said splicingmeehanism' including a base structure-mounted on saidforward w-all, film section engaging members mounted on-said base member,

. .3 25 91nd film section carriers plvotally mounted on said base member in position extending outwardly at opposite sides thereof beyond said body structure below and unobstructing said die carrying arm and said fllm end shaping members. 5

HARRY CLARK FOSTER.

REFERENCES CITED 7 The following references are of record in the w file 01' this patent:

.2 um'mn STATES PA'mu'rs' Number 

